New Mexico CSP Guidelines for Restaurants
The requirements for outdoor dining have been amended in the NM CSPs for Restaurants, to allow areas with overhead covers (tents) or roofs (covered patios) to now open 2 non-adjacent sides, enough to provide air flow through the space. The previous NM CSPs required that any space with a roof must have 3 sides open during operational hours.
For outdoor dining modifications, the following requirements apply:
- The following scenarios meet the specifications for outdoor dining:
- Areas with overhead covers or roofs and at least three open sides.
- Areas with overhead covers or roofs and two non-adjacent sides open enough to provide air flow through the space.
- Areas without overhead cover or roofs and at least one open side.
- Note: Sidewalls made of any kind of material, including fabric or mesh, are considered closed sides. Additional tent sidewalls may be added for security when the facility is not in use. Opening a garage door or all windows does not constitute an outdoor dining area.
- Tents may be utilized if approved by the appropriate local government agency.
- Outdoor dining in the winter may be a bit chilly, please dress accordingly.
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